Moving your business to the cloud: the key considerations

July 24, 2017

While there are numerous technologies that have changed the face of business in the digital age, Cloud computing is arguably the most influential. This also represents the single biggest advance in eliminating paper from the office, as businesses of all sizes continue to make the transition online.

Here are some of the key considerations when moving your venture to The Cloud and determine how you can make this transition work for you.

1. Tap into certified minds

When moving to The Cloud, adhering to the very best and most efficient IT practices is imperative. One of the best ways to ensure this is to acquire the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) qualification, or least employ project managers who have already earned this accreditation.

This type of course helps you to gain relevant skills and gain direct-from-the-source knowledge, which can be applied directly to establishing a business in The Cloud. Without this, you may find it difficult to handle the complexities of your transition or apply the best practices required to drive a successful, online business.

2. Move as high up the technology stack as possible

There are various Cloud providers in the current marketplace, each of which offer different levels of service. The most basic level is software, but this does not provide any additional guidance on how to effectively utilise The Cloud.

We then have Platform and Infrastructure as a Service, with the latter enabling businesses to access a comprehensive service while moving common workloads including web apps and databases. It is important that you do not compromise the depth or quality of service in a bid to slash costs, as this can prevent you from making a full transition to The Cloud.

3. Prioritise individual projects

With such variable levels of service, it is also fair to surmise that transitioning to the Cloud does not need to be a rapid, all-or-nothing project. In fact, it works best when it is structured and divided into individual projects, while prioritising these also afford you the best possible chance of long-term success.

More specifically, determining low-risk and high-reward areas can provide the ideal launchpad for your journey into The Cloud, helping you to gain momentum and experience in the process.

Over time, you can undertake more complex aspects of the project with greater assurance, as your business continues to make the important shift towards The Cloud and a paperless office!

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